Your Valuable Home

In our Replay today, Bud, who has been around home improvementcontracting much of his life, talks about what’s wrong with the industrytoday, and what can be done to fix it.It’s once again time for the Bad GuyBulletin with tips on scams to guard against like the recent flurry of Pay Palhoaxes. The scammer’s goal is to get you to call and volunteer yourinformation. Don’t do it. Even people without PayPal accounts are beinghounded by this scam. We also talk about AI, a technological “advance”bound to become a scammer’s dream.Can a wildland fire threaten yourcommunity? The answer is “yes,” especially if you live in the far suburbs ora rural area. Given the right fuel and other conditions conducive to fire,your community could be confronted with a wildland fire, as was the caserecently in eastern Canada. A veteran volunteer firefighter is with us todayfor a short course on wildland fires, how they start, what sends them out ofcontrol, how communities and individual homeowners can mitigate thethreat they pose, and the damage they cause. If you live in an area with lotsof vegetation that becomes excessively parched, you need to hear this.

In our Replay today, Kevin grills a builder local to our area on the properand improper installation of building products. The Horror Story is about ahomeowner who gave a contractor one-half of the estimated cost ofbuilding a shed. The contractor hasn’t been seen since. The lesson:beware contractors seeking excessive front money. When a homeimprovement project goes bad, it often tracks back to a lack of knowledgeor due diligence in selecting a contractor – and a lack of detail on theproject estimate/agreement. In our Feature today, Kevin and Ron offer arefresher course on line items that should be in all home improvementcontracts, as well as points that should be specific to specific projects...saywindows and siding. Listening to this feature could save you a lot of moneyand aggravation in home improvement projects.

In our Replay today, Kevin and Ron discuss the planning and execution ofa major ProVia® window project. In the Horror Story, this homeowner paidfor a new roof and instead got new shingles installed right over the oldones...a major roofing no-no. In our Featured Segment today, we learnabout ONE-PS, the neighborhood association model that has been workingwonders in Palm Spring California. One-PS is the entity that unites over 50neighborhood associations in this California town of some 45,000 people.All of these neighborhood entities work for the good of their neighborhoods,as well as the common good of Palm Springs. It’s a public/privatepartnership that results in events such as Modernism Week, a showcasefor the city’s collection of Mid Mod residential architecture that attractsthousands of people and many thousands of dollars to this city. ONE-PSalso publishes a magazine that is a great aid to anyone looking to buy realestate in Palm Springs or vacation there. This is a fascinating lesson aboutthe collaboration, camaraderie, and community spirit that can result whenresidents work together. This interview was with four of the top organizersof ONE-PS.IMPORTANT NOTE:The magazine we discussed, ONE-PS in Palm Springs, that serves as a great resource for anyone looking to vacation or buy ahome in Palm Springs is now OUT OF PRINT, but it can be read online anddownloaded FREE at https://flipbook.pub/oneps/2019/In addition, the four people we interviewed should have been noted as “people key to makingONE-PS work.”

In the replay this week, Pat Leach, talks about his Provia windows.In the Horror Story, a homeowner had a contractor fix wood windows with duct tape and paint.In our Feature segment, Sandy Smith, Home and Real Estate Editor of Philadelphia Magazine, talks about the state of the real estate market in Philadelphia and Beyond!

In our Replay today, with the help of New Pod City's Frank Sasso, we scam a scammer who is eager to flip off an estimate for a roofing job sight unseen and take a credit card number over the phone. You’ve got to hear this!In the Horror Story today, social media ads enable a scare tactic to make a roofing sale.In today’s feature, we do a fascinating interview with Chase Morrill, one of the hosts of the hit Magnolia Network show, Maine Cabin Masters. How did the show, now in its eighth season, get started? Will the cast take on projects outside the State of Maine? What are the backgrounds of the show’s three principals, Chase, his sister, Ashley, and her husband, Ryan Eldridge? What does Chase think is the appeal of the series? You’ll get the whole inside story on this week’sYour Valuable Home Podcast!

In our Replay today, we cover a credit card shakedown that’s not to bebelieved. Often subs hired by a contractor have a mind of their own. In thiscase, they also had the nerve to walk off the job.This is the second week in a row where we pick the brain of multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hoffman. Ever wondered if you should hire an interior designer?Donna will help you puzzle through that question. She’ll also talk to how tohire the right interior designer...how to identify the right type of interiordesigner for you. And lastly, she’ll address how interior designers charge for their services. This is interior designer 101 and 102 in one fact-packed one-half hour interview with a big plus: listen for the promo code and visit Donna’s website to download a free copy of her extensive e-book for Design-It-Yourselfers.

In the Replay, we have a further discussion on the YouTube video on a more detailed installation of the windows for the Sugar Shack in Knoxville, PA! See video here: https://youtu.be/e5ZNj20TYP0In the Horror story, Since the Trex show last week we continue with a Bad deck job, to a happy Trex ending!If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your home’s interior, and you have the urge to design-it-yourself, relax and listen to some great advice from multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hoffman.Donna explains the mistakes that Design-It-Yourselfers often make – and how you can keep from making them. These common mistakes can actually result in your home appearing smaller – and downgrade its resale value. Donna also offers a short course in how to hire the designer that’s right for you.At the end her interview today, you’ll get a promo code to download Donna’s e-book – a $27 value– absolutely FREE. The e-bookwas written specifically to help Design-It-Yourselfers benefit from the DOS and avoid the DON’T’S.Interior design, Award-winning interior designer Donna Hoffman, free interior design e-book by a top interior designer, Free interior design e-book a $27 value

In our Replay today, Kevin and Ron discuss the frenzy of Roofing ads on Social Media, what is their agenda?In the Horror story, a listener asks for advice on how to fix the BAD tile installation job they recently completed.In our Featured segment today, we talk with the Trex Director of Product Marketing about all aspects of Trex decking that make it the logical choice over wood and other composites. The science and engineering behind Trex, keep it from rotting, warping, and splitting from being damaged by termites. The Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastening System and the grooves that run the length of each deck board make for efficient installation and a great, finished look. Warranties matter. And with Trex decking and railing, you get limited residential warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years. The ever-expanding Trex product line has everything you need to create a stunning outdoor environment...the railing, lighting, furniture....even outdoor kitchens offered in partnership with another company.

In the Replay today, dad John struggles to get a contractor-created house of horrors under control. There’s a lot to be corrected, and Kevin works alongside John step-by-step to make it happen.In the Horror Story today we talk about BAD electrical wiring in a basement, and why it is so important to get permits! Finally, in our Featured segment architect Illya Azaroff gives us a a glimpse of how the concept of resilience in residentialconstruction, performance-based regulation of utilities and the 21st century heat pump will help bring about decarbonization in America, while making home ownership a better deal for Americans. Illya connects the dots for a clear view of what home ownership can be like going forward.

In our Replay today, Morgen talks about the final touches of her whole-house renovationthat began as a horror story. Kevin Kennedy helped turn things around. Today, it’s onceagain time for the Bad Guy Bulletin. Marc Fuber from the Bucks County DA’s officeoffers suggestions on the theft of Stephanie’s belongings by a New York movingcompany. (Steph’s story was in our 3/17/23 podcast.) Ron talks about anacknowledged Publishers’ Clearing House scam that includes a live check. Absolutelydon’t fall for this one! Notable architect Illya Azaroff, explains his role in Buildings OfExcellence, a competition organized by the New York State Energy Research andDevelopment Authority (NYSERDA) to “recognize and reward the design, constructionand operation of clean, resilient and carbon neutral-ready, multi-family buildings.” Thisprogram signals a natural progression in residential construction in America.

In our Replay today, Kevin offers valuable advice to a new listener ready to update her kitchen, family room and bath. In the Horror Story, you’ll wonder how a flooring “pro” could do such a sloppy job. Continuous Load is an engineering principle that can help recently built homes withstand strong winds...possibly even a tornado. If your home was built to codes as they existed years ago, you can achieve some of the benefit of continuous load with Simpson Strong Tie products that essentially connect different sections of a house frame to each other to form a stronger, more wind-resistant whole. The contractor you choose to do your siding can actually tie your roof to the wall framing members this way.

In our Replay, Robin talks about the plan and progress regarding her basement and bath projects.In the Horror Story today...Is it proper construction etiquette for one contractor to offload trash into another contractor’s dumpster? No kidding!In our Feature, Matt Sanders from PEW Charitable Trusts reports on the initiatives four forward-thinking states – New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Maine – are taking to mitigate the damage and threat to their residents that flooding will cause in the future. Most people don’t realize that, in a recent year, all 50 states and Washington, DC were affected by flooding. Also, according to 2022 data from NOAA, surprisingly an almost equal percentage of cumulative days with flood events occurred in coastal states and in land-locked states. This is a wakeup call!

In the Replay today, Susan shares the story of her new roof. And in the Horror Story, this homeowner was set to refer the contractor, until Kevin noticed issues with the job inphotos the homeowner sent. Good catch, Kev! In today’s Feature, Matt Skroch, ProjectDirector U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation at PEW Charitable Trusts, fill us inon how western states are keeping motorists and large, migrating animals from tanglingwith each other on the highway. Using GPS to track the migration paths of Moose, Elkand other large animals, PEW is teaming up with officials in Colorado, Oregon and otherstates to keep migrating herds stay out of the paths of cars and trucks. What it takesare special, animal friendly overpasses and underpasses to help the animals get frompoint A to point B safely. It’s working. If you have this kind of situation in yourcommunity, you’ll want to hear this.

In the Replay, Christina Sasso talks about she and husband Frank’s plans for the refurbishment of a cottage on their upstate PA property. The cottage was formerly used to process maple syrup. Refurbishing begins with two expansive ProVia® windows to be installed by our own Kevin Kennedy. In the Horror Story, Ron relates how a routine water heater swap-out in his Philadelphia rental unit became a nightmare. In our Feature today, we discuss the value and wisdom of making an offer on a residential propertycontingent upon a satisfactory home inspection. In the feverish sellers’ market of the past couple of years many buyers waived inspections and bid more than asking. And many may realize in the years to come that both of those decisions were mistakes.

In the Replay today, Mt. Pleasant Window and Remodeling Company provides testimony to the quality of ProVia windows. The company has been a ProVia dealer for about 40 years. In the Bad Guy Bulletin today, Stephanie reveals a widespread scam that involves a moving broker and a mover. She lost everything when she turned to these two companies to store her belongings before making a move out of New York City. Turns out it will probably take an act of congress to stop this insidious shakedown scheme. Acorn Deck House has been around for years, offering home buyers prefabricated homes in the Mid Mod style. What you need is a parcel of land and the patience to see the construction process through. Acorn Deck House offers you the latitude to build small today, and expand per a pre-designed plan as the family grows. Acorn Deck House homes have a particular appeal for younger buyers who have embraced the Mid Mod style of architecture. Here’s a Pre-fab Option for Home Buyers Tired of Getting Shut Out of this Sellers’ MarketFile Size: 65305 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In the Replay today, Charla describes her bathroom re-dos. Our Horror Story today drives home the point that, bad a underlayment installation almost always results in a bad tile job. In the Feature today, PA realtor, Jeff Lavine, talks about alternatives to buying an already-lived-in home, which may be leaving a lot of prospective buyers in the lurch for one of three reasons: 1) You get there too late, 2) You get outbid by someone willing waive an inspection and bid crazy money over asking, or 3) The house isn’t that desirable. You do have options. For example, it you live or can move to an area where land is still affordable, stop wasting time looking for a lived-in house, and start planning to build your own. This is the first of two YVH podcasts that explore the options. Anyone Who’s Had It with Being Outbid on Homes in this Seller’s Market Needs to Listen to Today’s FeatureFile Size: 42219 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In the Replay today, Kevin takes us to his house on the Jersey shore to Replay the renovation of a fireplace using ProVia® manufactured stone veneer. Visuals to be posted to Facebook. The Horror Story is about another dreadful siding and window job. The windows are new and they’re leaking. Surprise! All Your Valuable Home listeners with rental properties will want to hear what Matt White from Berkshire Hathaway – Fox Roche has to say about making money with residential real estate today. An Interview with Matt White from Berkshire Hathaway – Fox RocheFile Size: 55269 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In the Replay today, Susan shares her satisfaction with her new ProVia® entry door. Next...a hardwood floor Horror Story that proves who you choose to refinish your floors matters a lot. The wrong equipment in the wrong hands can result in a mess throughout the house. In last week’s Your Valuable Home, Kevin and Ron were joined by three members of the Placemakers Guild in a brainstorming session aimed at generating affordable ideas about community improvement. This week, Kevin, Ron, and sought-after interior designer, Donna Hoffman, brainstorm great ideas for improving the value of your home and any residential rental properties you may own in an affordable way. Be ready to take notes.

In our Replay today, Jess is back to finish our discussion about her new kitchen and bath. It’s our third podcast of the month, time for another Bad Guy Bulletin. Ron and Kevin are once again joined by Mike Bannon from Bucks County Consumer Protection/Weights and Measures. As long as the Bad Guys stay at it, we’ll keep exposing the scams and shakedowns so you don’t get burned. To celebrate our upcoming 100th podcast and the start of our tenth year of doing Your Valuable Home, we asked frequent contributor, Gary Toth and two of his colleagues in the Placemakers’ Guild to offer up some low-cost ideas on community improvement. You’ll want to hear this. Little improvements can really make a big difference. How to Add Value to Your Community One Affordable Step at a Time.File Size: 59527 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, Jessica, a homeowner, shares the excitement of planning a high-end kitchen and bath remodel. In the Horror Story, Kevin shares the electrical and other issues a contractor who worked on Jessica’s house years ago left behind. This is a lesson in what happens if your contractor fails to get permits. Jessica Lautz from the National Association of Realtors and a good friend of Your Valuable Home shares a 2023 forecast of the housing market. You may be as surprised as we were to hear the NAR’s pick of 10 hot real estate markets for 2023. Hint: think southern states. Will the sellers’ market of the past couple of years persist? Listen and learn. Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR’s Deputy Chief Economist with a Forecast of the Real Estate Market 2023File Size: 51646 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, Courtney walks us through her kitchen remodel and why she chose ProVia® for replacement windows. In the Horror Story, John Gallagher is back after discovering more problems with his daughter and son-in-law’s whole house re-do. Most people don’t know that Buffalo, New York has the greatest concentration of residences and other structures designed by the architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Our focus in Buffalo is the Wright-designed Martin House, created for Darwin D. Martin and his family and the Martin’s summer residence, Graycliff, perched on a cliff above Lake Erie’s shores. These two homes, in particular, showcase Wright’s prairie style of architecture and his genius for transitioning stunning, timelessinteriors with exquisitely landscaped exterior environments. The Coolest Neighborhoods in America series concludes w/ Frank Lloyd Wright Creations in Buffalo, NYFile Size: 62191 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, dad, John, steps in to help Morgan and Conner take back control of their whole house reno. They told their story in our last previous podcast. In the Horror Story, dad does some detective work and finds many deficiencies in the job the contractor is doing for Morgan and John. In the Feature today, we explore the leafy, magical world of the Landmark district, Bungalow Heaven, with two longtime residents, Carol and Juan. Bungalow Heaven, not far from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, is a treasure trove of exquisitely preserved Arts and Crafts/Craftsman style homes and Stickley furniture. This might pique your interest in the annual Bungalow Heaven Home Tour coming up this April. The Coolest Neighborhoods in America Series continues with "Bungalow Heaven" in Pasadena, CAFile Size: 58320 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, a young couple suffers a bad case of contractor-itis when the renovation of their recently purchased row home goes off the rails. Kevin lends a hand to get the project back on track. In the Bad Guy Bulletin today, we’re again joined by Mike Bannon of Bucks County Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures who weighs in on a half dozen online scams and the downside of home warranties. In our Featured segment today, the next stop on our tour of The Coolest Neighborhoods in America, the epicenter of mid-century modernism, Palm Springs. This is the location of acclaimed architect Bill Krisel’s iconic neighborhood of Mid Mod homes, Twin Palms. Don’t miss this one. It’s also loaded with images of celebrity desert getaways. The Coolest Neighborhoods in America Series continues to the Mid Mod Mecca, Palm SpringsFile Size: 72452 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, we talk with Pat, a customer of Kevin’s company, VSP, about why he chose ProVia® vinyl replacement windows. Horror Stories often result from contractors either not knowing the basics or simply ignoring them. In this case lack of a proper underlayment resulted in a siding Horror Story. In our “Coolest Neighborhoods in America” feature today, we zoom in on Medford Lakes in the southern New Jersey pine forest. This town was born as a resort but grew into a year-round community. Dozens upon dozens of log homes here have been preserved with a lot of TLC. There’s also a historic log church, log coffee shop, and preserved log municipal building. All of this is situated on a series of pristine lakes... a magical setting!

In today’s Replay, Deb talks about the finalization of her kitchen renovation. In the Horror Story today, Kevin intercedes (at the homeowner’s request) in a roofing job gone awry. The Coolest Neighborhoods in America is a five-week series ...a must for all YVH listeners who are fascinated by historically significant residential architecture and the way communities celebrate and preserve it. First up, the Mid-Mod neighborhoods around Philadelphia, including Monk Road, where Mid-Mod architecture is mandated, Whitemarsh Village a Mid-Mod community situated on the grounds of what once was one of the most extensive homes in America, and much, much more.

In our Replay today, Deb recaps her kitchen and first-floor renovation. Our Horror Story has to do with windows improperly installed — a disaster waiting to happen. Don’t let this happen to you. Listen in as Ron interviews Kevin about why you should start planning now for any large home improvement projects you want to complete by Spring or Summer 2023. An addition, new windows, new siding — these and other projects take time to plan under normal circumstances, However, now, with some lingering supply chain problems, lead time becomes even more critical. Plus, you have decision points like choosing a contractor, selecting materials, and other products, and possibly applying for and securing permits and the related inspections. Don’t miss this helpful aid in project planning. Have a truly Happy New Year!

In the Replay today, Brian walks us through part 2 of his kitchen and bath reno. In the Horror Story today, Kevin comes across an incredibly bad HVAC installation. The homeowners heard dripping and found water on their basement floor. Turns out the water was coming from the second floor...the improperly installed HVAC system. Look for photos of this OOOPS on this week’s Your Valuable Home Instagram and Facebook postings. In our Feature today, superstar pros, Brad Sullivan, head of Cider Press Woodworks, and multiple award-winning interior designer, Donna Hoffman team up with ideas for Custom Furniture that makes a statement. If you’re spending liberally for a new home or a major renovation, consider investing in custom furniture. A one-of-a-kind dining room table, sideboard, or buffet can complete any look from Mid-century modern to Arts and Crafts to Cottage or Farm House. Live Edge also has a place in custom furniture thinking. Hear what Brad and Donna suggest, and how they’ve included custom furniture pieces in their own homes.

In our Replay today, Kevin explains the renovations he has planned for his home on the Jersey shore (AKA, the beach), a family room redo, a gas insert, new flooring and ProVia stone. In our Horror Story, we report on a contractor who is remediating stucco in a development, and doing the job wrong. PLUS, this is the first of our once-a-month Bad Guy Bulletins, where we call out the creative ways the bad guys are out to separate you from your hard-earned money. With the holidays and gift shopping on your mind, it’s easy to put a home safety check on the back burner. That’s why in our Feature today, we interview Rebecca Edwards from safewise.com Rebecca has vital information on detecting gas leaks, smoke and CO detectors, residential air quality, and the often-overlooked indoor hazards radon and VOCs. Don’t miss this, and, please, take Rebecca’s advice to heart. Is Your Home Safe for the Coming Holiday Season and Beyond?File Size: 74483 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In the Replay today, Brian fills us in on the progress being made with his kitchen and bath re-do, including an innovative solution to capitalizing on unused space. It’s the third week of the month, so we’re back with the Bad Guy Bulletin. Lots of scams unmasked today. We’re joined by Mike Bannon from Bucks County Consumer Protection, Weight and Measures, and Kim, a listener who recently avoided a combination of email and Facebook scam involving a grant. In our Feature today, we’ve talked with Dan George, head of Escape Homes, about his company’s ingeniously designed small homes that make for affordable vacation homes, guest quarters, or for the enterprising, stylish Airbnb's. The big news now is Escape’s forward-thinking, fully electrified eEscape Series. Hear all about it on Your Valuable Home.

In the Replay today, Tom explains why he and his wife decided on ProVia Siding and he admires a siding job well done. In the Horror Story, still another contractor claims to be what he’s not on social media. We don’t have to tell you that more bad guys than ever are working overtime to separate you from your hard-earned money. In addition to rip-offs by unscrupulous contractors, email, snail mail, and telephone scams are definitely on the rise and the bad guys are getting bolder every day. Learn about the latest scams. Knowledge is your first line of defense! Team up with Bucks County DA’s Office and Consumer Protection So Our Listeners Don’t Get Shaken DownFile Size: 62884 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

Mike wraps up his kitchen re-do point-by point. In our Horror Story today. Another contractor installed windows without flashing. No...the caulk didn’t help! CLARIFI is a Philadelphia non-profit that’s been on this mission for 50 years, helping “more than 750,000 families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley...achieve financial resilience and positively impact their communities. CLARIFI has a positive impact on moderate to low-income families by counseling them on how to reduce debt, save, improve credit, buy homes. This is a story of hope presented by Steve Gardner from CLARIFI.

In our Replay today, Christine is lovin’ the fresh, new look of her home created by ProVia Siding, windows and a new ProVia door. In our Horror Story, a roofer’s subcontractor removed the old step flashing but didn’t replace it. A perfect reason to demand cell phone photos, if you have a new roof in your future. Marc Furber from the Bucks County DA’s Office joins us for the Featured segment today to talk about some of the latest cases to cross his desk involving contractors. At Your Valuable Home, we cannot overemphasize the importance of due diligence whenever you hire a contractor. Check for Worker’s Comp and Liability Insurance. Check for a license. Check years in business and references. Check! Check! Check! The Contractor Shakedowns Happening in Bucks County, PA Could Happen To YouFile Size: 48853 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, Tish shares her and her husband’s Adventure in Downsizing. Be prepared to take notes and learn from their experience. In the Horror Story today, an “electrician” made Swiss Cheese out of a ceiling to install a few lights. Hard to believe! Our Feature today focuses on a culprit that can change your life: Lyme. Could the chronic condition of a family member or friend be the result of undiagnosed Lyme+ Disease? What is Lyme+? Are most family practice physicians capable of identifying Lyme or Lyme+? Is the average blood test to detect Lyme effective? Is routine antibiotic treatment for Lyme sufficient? What is Bartonella? These and many other questions about insidious Lyme disease are answered by a renowned authority on the subject, Dr. Steven Phillips. Why is Your Valuable Home addressing Lyme? Because many of our listeners, their children, and their pets are at risk for this disease.

In the aftermath of hurricane Ian, our entire podcast today is devoted to a fascinating interview with Illya Azaroff, FA IA, an internationally recognized leader in disaster mitigation, resilient planning and design strategies. Illya is the immediate past president of AIA New York, elected to the AIA Board of Directors as a 2023-2025 at-large director, and appointed an AIA COP 27 delegate to attend global talks on climate and disaster risk reduction. COP is a common reference to the United Nations Climate Change Conference. All this in addition to serving as Director of Design and Resilient Strategies at his architectural firm, + Lab, in New York and professor in practice at the New Your City College of Technology. The subject is Illya’s resilient, sustainable design for homes that can withstand 150-mile-per-hour hurricane winds and release water that can cause the walls of a conventionally built house to collapse. This is not theoretical. Illya built such a home in Sandy Hook, Queens, New York to replace one obliterated by Superstorm Sandy, and has since employed his advanced design concepts to construct homes in other parts of the country. This could definitely be the better way to rebuild after natural disasters. Surprisingly, it costs little more than conventional construction. Could This Be a better Way to Rebuild After Natural Disasters?File Size: 47621 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

Our Replay today is all about permits. When do you need them? Why can they sometimes be difficult to get? Our Horror Story today is about a not-so-handyman who had difficulty putting up one piece of drywall that fell down the next morning. In our Featured segment today, we talk with Mike Celucci, an Erie Insurance agent about homeowners’ coverage....particularly coverage for weather that seems to be getting increasingly severe across the U.S. For example, if you live in an area where you never gave flood insurance a second thought, what happens in the event of a freak flood? Are you covered for named storms? And given the huge increase in identify theft, are you covered if it happens to you? All questions worth posing to your insurance agent.

In our Replay today Phil, from New Jersey, purchased an adjoining lot with plans to build a B&B. Interesting idea! We get his initial thinking and offer some ideas of our own. Then, continuing with our series on the Southwest, Florida barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, we speak with Ed, the head of an HOA in Captiva with responsibility for 68 condo units. The focus of the interview: the challenge of shipping workers and materials to Captiva with the causeway from the mainland down and continuing supply chain delays. Aerial photos show that most of the units and related buildings are largely intact. The big questions: water intrusion and mold, which could necessitate extensive interior reconstruction. Post Ian, The Head of an HOA in Captiva, FL Has His Hands Full.File Size: 48214 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In our Replay today, a listener is planning an out-side-the-box B&B on his large property in New Jersey. Our Horror Story and Feature are about how Florida residents are coping with their worst nightmare – Ian. We talk with Jack who has a home on Sanibel, We also talk with his daughter-in-law, Bronwyn, who with husband, Mike, moved their permanent home to neighboring Captiva this past August. Both share their perspectives on devastation Ian left behind. Like most Sanibel residents, Jack has yet to return to his home. Bronwyn reached hers via boat. Without water and power infrastructure, repairs and rebuilding will have to wait. Jack is deeply concerned about Florida’s older residents and their financial and emotional ability to re-build, He cited a frightening statistic: only a little over 15 percent of Florida residents have flood insurance. Listen again next week for Ed’s story about Captiva. He’s challenged by the availability of labor and materials to deal with repairs/reconstruction of his own condo and the dozens of other condos that are his responsibility as head of his HOA. For those homes that were not destroyed, mold will be a huge problem. Florida residents cope with one of the worst natural disasters in history – focus on Sanibel and CaptivaFile Size: 62663 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

In the Replay, Courtney shares her kitchen expansion reno that gives her downstairs a “now” look. In our Horror Story, we debut The Bad Guy Bulletin, our once-a-month expose’ on shakedowns and scams from home improvement contractors and bad actors who use the phone, email and the post office to bilk you out of your money. Are EVs really the environmentally friendly auto option? We do a deep dive into EV batteries, solar and wind power with Barry and Chris, two listeners and top energy sector executives. How many tons of rare earths does it take to make the batteries for just one EV? How will we dispose of used-up EV batteries? Which countries have the greatest concentrations of rare earths used to make EV batteries? What problem does the addition of solar and wind energy cause in energy generation? You won’t want to miss this sobering, thought - it's a provoking discussion.

Our Replay today is about a home improvement project that can aid in planning yours. In the Horror Story, Kevin and his team find potentially dangerous wiring in the wall, while remodeling a kitchen. Lucky homeowner! In our Feature today, Leo Addimando, the CEO of Alterra Property Group, talks about how his company is capitalizing on modular construction to erect multiple build-to-rent buildings in Philadelphia, a booming rental market. Build-to-rent means that the developer owns all of the units in a building with the intention of renting – and in this case – managing them. If you’re a landlord with a few units in your portfolio, you’ll want to hear this.

In our Replay today, Mike explains the plan for his kitchen and flooring re-do. Our Horror Story is about another job not so well done by a contractor. With the changes New Jersey has made in its Muni

In our Replay today, Kevin explains why your contractor may not be able to give you a solid estimate for a scheduled project. Supply chain issues for lumber and other building materials and products are causing headaches for contractors and homeowners. The Horror Story deals with a ridiculous window installation. If you’re house hunting, our Featured Interview with realtor, Jeff Lavine, will help you understand the causes (note the plural) of your frustrations – and possibly prevent you from making a buying blunder.

This Your Valuable Home begins with Charla sharing the vision for her new kitchen. The plan includes removing a load-bearing wall, and some other nice touches that could aid in your own kitchen planning.In our Horror Story today, Kevin recounts the story of how a contractor’s lies in his social media got through unchecked. In our Featured segment, drinking water expert, Steve Wiley, explains how people with well water can get shaken down for expensive remediation of bacteria when a prospective buyer orders a water analysis. Steve also discusses which water generally wins out for drinkability and safety….well water vs. municipal water.

Leading up to today’s featured interview, Bernie, the roofer explains why there are shingle shortages of certain styles and colors in this lingering Covid environment.In the Horror Story, Bernie cites three or four problems caused by inept roofers, and how you can guard against them. In the featured segment, Dan George, who was a listener favorite last week, is back to talk about Escape (tiny home) vacation rentals available in 12 states across the country( at $160 or so a night, a money maker for the unit owners), Escape’s Tampa Bay expanding development and the company’s partnership with Ikea. Exciting stuff that happening right here on Your Valuable Home.

Our Replay today and our Horror Story are both about Mark and his bathroom re-do. Bathrooms can be difficult, and this one was. In our Featured interview today we speak with Alan Hubbell from DuPont Tyvek. Such a simple product, but it can keep you out of trouble. For example, Tyvek Wrap around a window cavity before the window is installed can provide you with many years of trouble-free installation. Why not insist on it?

In our Replay today, Lisa tells the story of her just-completed kitchen. The projectincluded the relocation of her washing machine to the upstairs master bedroom. This outside-the-box solution facilitated the expansion of the kitchen. Split HVAC systems require a lot of tubing to be inserted into wall cavities. In our Horror Story today an installer got creative and ran the tubing on the outside of the house, including over the roof. Unbelievable! In our Feature segment, singer, songwriter, and author Dar Williams joins Gary Toth and Cynthia Nikitin from the Placemakers Guild for Part 2 of a fascinating discussion of why some towns flourish and others flounder. Dar shares some of the wonderful transformations she’s experienced in cities and towns across America. It’s all in her book, What I Found in a Thousand Towns: A Traveling Musicians Guide to Rebuilding America's Communities-One Coffee Shop, Dog Run, and Open-Mike Night at a Time.

Great question. Please join us as Your Valuable Home addresses the question and what it takes to revitalize a town from two different perspectives: The view of the professional planners and pros of related disciplines who make up The Placemakers Guild. Then on 5/13, singer, songwriter, and author, Dar Williams, joins the conversation and shares some of the wonderous transformations she’s experienced in cities and towns across America. It’s all in her book What I Foundin a Thousand Towns: A Traveling Musicians Guide to Rebuilding AmericasCommunities-One Coffee Shop, Dog Run, and Open-Mike Night at a Time. Available at Amazon, of course.

In our Replay today, Kevin explains to a homeowner how windows should be replaced to avoid causing damage to the surrounding stucco. The Horror Story today comes from Ann, a residential landlord, who reports on an alarming development at one of the HOA-run communities where she has a rental property….a $500 annual assessment against investor owners of properties in the community. In the feature, we welcome back, Scott Abernathy, a valued Your Valuable Home contributor. Scott is president of his own property management company in Murfreesboro Tennessee, PMI Property Management, President of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), lecturer, and author of multiple books, including his latest, KINGPIN LANDLORD: Unlocking the Secrets to Real Estate Investing. Scott shares his wisdom on HOA assessments to absentee landlords and other matters of importance to residential real estate investors. Scott believes, as we do, that residential real estate is the way to wealth for the wise. We’ll keep tabs on the HOA assessment issue.

In the Replay today, we discuss what it takes to make for a successful siding andwindow installation – and the difference it can make in the appearance of a home. In the Horror Story, Kevin reports on a basement remodel that included a kitchen and an electrical nightmare lurking behind the walls. In our Featured interview, we address the surge in multigenerational living brought on by Covid and the need for financial support and/or care for aging family members. Donna Butts, Executive Director of the DC non-profit Generations United, reports on that organization’s recently released survey of multigenerational homes, and our own Kevin Kennedy and his family are applauded for their multigenerational lifestyle.

In our Replay today, we talk about wrapping up Leslie’s remodel to benefit her aging mom. This complex job included a kitchen in the basement, a chair lift, and the removal of a load-bearing wall.Our Horror Story deals with the DONTs of window installation in a stucco application.In our Featured segment, two executives from GAF, the company that set the standard for asphalt shingles in 1933 serve up Roofing 101 and explain how homeowners from Texas to New England could have avoided water damage caused by ice damming.

In our Replay today, we talk with Bob about his move to his fiancé’s smallhouse and an innovative way to remake existing space for two work-at-home people. One bay of the exiting garage became a bar. The 400-square foot upstairs of the garage became Bob’s space. Maureen calls itthe “doghouse.” If you’re leaning toward improving vs moving, you’ll wantto hear this. In our Horror Story, you’ll learn what can happen to a housewhere the pan in the upstairs shower didn’t extend far enough up the wall.Call it the great shower pan debacle. And in our Featured segment, gaininsights from Dr. Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics andbehavioral insights for the National Association of Realtors, about whypeople are leaving American cities for suburbs and small towns and movingfrom one state to another. The patterns are different from a year or two ago,creating a seller’s market and inventory shortage. Dr. Lautz breaks downall the reasons why this is happening and why it may continue. If you’rethinking of moving or buying a rental property, this interview providesinvaluable perspective.